Rheumatoid arthritis - any experience?

[kingrollo]

Unexplained pain in my foot and unexplained upper back pain between shoulder blades.

GP has booked me in for blood tests to rule out RA ....2025 being the year from hell ....I'm fearing the worst ..

Any experience with this disease . I'm 62.

 

[fossyant]

Could also be general wear and tear - wait for the results before worrying.

I regularly get foot pain/stiffness that comes and goes - affects my walking. Part of that could be down to old back and pelvic injuries. With you being a cyclist, upper back pain can be an issue, especially shoulders. Both mine aren't great having crashed on them many times. One has had surgery but now the other really could do with it, but I know the recovery time is about 18 months to be pain free, so not bothering.

If you've had an active life you aren't getting away without aches and pains. You are at least better able to deal with it.

 

[albion]

As said. Also, it is said to be partially caused by low vitamins, such as D.
My shoulders always seized up and my feet got so bad, next day it felt like walking on hot coal.

My ebike is great for both shoulders and feet.

 

[fossyant]

Do get Vit D checked. It's often overlooked - I paid for mine after breaking my pelvis. Came in at 17 n/mol, normal range is 50-200 n/mol - very deficient.

I'm outside a lot, but only 'sun expose' arms, legs face - it's not enough even though I'm usually 'tanned' by end of April each year.

Magnesium supplements are also useful.

 

[kingrollo]

Do get Vit D checked. It's often overlooked - I paid for mine after breaking my pelvis. Came in at 17 n/mol, normal range is 50-200 n/mol - very deficient.

I'm outside a lot, but only 'sun expose' arms, legs face - it's not enough even though I'm usually 'tanned' by end of April each year.

Magnesium supplements are also useful.

I'm a cardiac patient - on blood thinners . I'm a bit wary of supplements and drug interactions.

 

[vickster]

Do you have swelling in your joints?
I've had lots of inflamed joints over the years and blood tests for RA ordered by rheumatologist and orthopods various, always negative but lots of wear and tear OA around the place.

 

[Psamathe]

Do get Vit D checked.

You can get home Vitamin D test kits in supermarkets these days. eg https://www.waitrose.com/ecom/produ...Wh_8fK_qB2e4_URUpKiUXPltdEhFPCveVaBiC1AlCewCy

I have no idea as to the reliability. Other similar (eg Iron) tests are lateral flow format (like the home Covid tests), prick a finger, drop of blood and results in 5'ish mins - but not done Vit D test. I assume it must give some indication. Maybe do two a week or two apart?

That said, check what blood tests your GP is doing as they might be including Vitamin D anyway.

 

[All uphill]

Since turning 60 (I'm now 70) I have had a variety of aches and pains like most people. So far, with the help of paracetamol, GP and physio, I've managed to mitigate all of them and maintain an active life.

Up till now I've worked with plantar fascitis, solved with better shoes; osteoarthritis mitigated with paracetamol; neck pain, solved by regular exercises, and chest pains, which I'm currently working through with a cardiologist.

I imagine this is normal/better than normal for someone of my age, and I consider myself fortunate.

Best wishes finding ways to work with the effects of aging.

 

[kingrollo]

Do you have swelling in your joints?
I've had lots of inflamed joints over the years and blood tests for RA ordered by rheumatologist and orthopods various, always negative but lots of wear and tear OA around the place.

No not swelling. I've suffered with lower back pain for years. Earlier this year I was taken to a+E in excruciating pain and loss of feeling in my legs.

I've been working with a physio since and got this pain down to a niggle .

But the foot and upper back pain are new ones with no obvious cause.

 

[kingrollo]

Since turning 60 (I'm now 70) I have had a variety of aches and pains like most people. So far, with the help of paracetamol, GP and physio, I've managed to mitigate all of them and maintain an active life.

Up till now I've worked with plantar fascitis, solved with better shoes; osteoarthritis mitigated with paracetamol; neck pain, solved by regular exercises, and chest pains, which I'm currently working through with a cardiologist.

I imagine this is normal/better than normal for someone of my age, and I consider myself fortunate.

Best wishes finding ways to work with the effects of aging.

Naproxen was my pain relief of choice. But since my HA these are strictly off limits.